Specimen Collection & Shipping Guidelines | Cytogenomix® Malaysia

Specimen Collection & Shipping Guidelines

Complete instructions for proper collection, handling, and shipping of specimens for all Cytogenomix genetic tests. Follow these guidelines to ensure sample integrity and optimal test results.

Last Updated: April 15, 2026
3-5 mL
Blood Volume
Room Temp
Most Samples
Dry Ice
PGT Samples
24-48h
Shipping Window
All Tests
Reproductive Genetics
Monogenic Disorders
Oncogenetics
Cytogenetics
Prenatal
PGT
PGx

Reproductive Genetics

Test Type Sample Type Collection Requirements Shipping Temperature TAT
Expanded Carrier Screening
Advanced 450 / Premium 620
Whole Blood
Buccal (kit available)
3-5 mL EDTA (purple top)
Do not refrigerate
Room Temperature 3-4 weeks
Fragile X Analysis
FMR1 CGG Repeat
Whole Blood
Buccal swab
3-5 mL EDTA (purple top)
Buccal swab kit available
Room Temperature 7-10 days
Infertility Genetics
Reprogene HIM/HER
Whole Blood 3-5 mL EDTA (purple top)
Do not freeze
Room Temperature 21-28 days

Monogenic Disorders

Test Type Sample Type Collection Requirements Shipping Temperature TAT
Thalassaemia Panel
Alpha & Beta
Whole Blood 3-5 mL EDTA (purple top)
Do not centrifuge
Room Temperature 7-10 days
SMA Testing
SMN1 Deletion
Whole Blood 3-5 mL EDTA (purple top) Room Temperature 7-10 days
G6PD Deficiency Whole Blood 3-5 mL EDTA (purple top)
Protect from extreme temperatures
Room Temperature 21-28 days
Familial Hypercholesterolemia
LDLR/APOB/PCSK9
Whole Blood 3-5 mL EDTA (purple top) Room Temperature 10-14 days
DMD/BMD Testing
Duchenne/Becker
Whole Blood 3-5 mL EDTA (purple top)
Genetic counseling recommended
Room Temperature 14-21 days

Oncogenetics

Test Type Sample Type Collection Requirements Shipping Temperature TAT
Hereditary Cancer Panels
BRCA, Lynch, etc.
Whole Blood
Buccal Swab
3-5 mL EDTA (purple top)
Buccal kit available
Room Temperature 14-21 days
Breast & Ovarian Cancer
BRCA1/BRCA2
Whole Blood 3-5 mL EDTA (purple top) Room Temperature 14-21 days
Colorectal Cancer Panel
Lynch Syndrome
Whole Blood 3-5 mL EDTA (purple top) Room Temperature 14-21 days

Cytogenetics

Test Type Sample Type Collection Requirements Shipping Temperature TAT
Constitutional Karyotyping Whole Blood
Bone Marrow
3-5 mL Sodium Heparin (green top)
Bone marrow: 1-2 mL in heparin
Room Temperature 5-7 days
Chromosomal Microarray (CMA) Whole Blood
Extracted DNA
3-5 mL EDTA (purple top)
DNA: 3-5 μg at 50 ng/μL
Room Temperature 10-14 days

Prenatal Testing

Test Type Sample Type Collection Requirements Shipping Temperature TAT
NIPT Whole Blood
Cell-Free DNA Tube
10 mL in Streck/Cell-Free DNA tube
Do not centrifuge
Room Temperature 7-10 days
Prenatal Karyotyping Amniotic Fluid
CVS
Amniotic Fluid: 20-30 mL sterile tube
CVS: 10-20 mg in transport media
Room Temperature 7-10 days
Prenatal CMA Amniotic Fluid
CVS
Amniotic Fluid: 20-30 mL sterile tube
CVS: 10-20 mg in transport media
Room Temperature 10-14 days
POC Testing
Products of Conception
Foetal Tissue Tissue in sterile container with transport media
Media available from Cytogenomix
Refrigerated (2-8°C) 7-10 days

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

Test Type Sample Type Collection Requirements Shipping Temperature TAT
PGT-A
Aneuploidy Screening
Trophectoderm Biopsy
(5-10 cells)
  • Biopsied cells in sterile PCR tube
  • Minimal volume of buffer
  • Clearly labeled with embryo ID
  • Accompanying IVF clinic worksheet
Dry Ice
≤ -20°C
7-10 days
PGT-A Plus
Aneuploidy + Triploidy and UPD
7-10 days
PGT-M
Monogenic Disorders
3-4 weeks
Requires prior workup
PGT-HLA
HLA Matching
3-4 weeks
Requires prior workup
PGT-M and PGT-HLA Require Prior Workup

Before embryo testing, the following samples must be submitted for test development:

  • Both parents: 3-5 mL EDTA blood (purple top) or Buccal
  • Affected family member: 3-5 mL EDTA blood or extracted DNA
  • Additional family members: As needed for linkage analysis

Workup time: 4-6 weeks before embryo testing can begin

PGT Sample Shipping Instructions

Trophectoderm biopsies must be shipped on dry ice to maintain -20°C. Use insulated containers with sufficient dry ice for 48-hour transit. Avoid freeze-thaw cycles.

Required: Dry Ice

Pharmacogenomics (PGx)

Test Type Sample Type Collection Requirements Shipping Temperature TAT
Comprehensive PGx Panel
CYP450, etc.
Whole Blood
Buccal swab
3-5 mL EDTA (purple top)
Buccal swab kit available
Room Temperature 7-10 days
Cardiology PGx Panel
Warfarin, Clopidogrel
Whole Blood 3-5 mL EDTA (purple top) Room Temperature 7-10 days
Psychiatry PGx Panel
Antidepressants, Antipsychotics
Whole Blood 3-5 mL EDTA (purple top) Room Temperature 7-10 days

General Shipping Guidelines

Timing

Ship samples Monday-Thursday to avoid weekend delays. Overnight shipping recommended for all samples.

Temperature

Most samples ship at room temperature. Use cold packs only when specified. Never freeze whole blood.

Packaging

Triple packaging: Primary container, leak-proof secondary, and outer shipping container with absorbent material.

Labeling

Each sample must have: Patient name, DOB, collection date/time, and unique identifier matching requisition.

Requisition

Complete test requisition form must accompany all samples. Include clinical information and billing details.

Hazardous

All biological samples must be shipped as UN3373 (Biological Substance, Category B).

Need Transport Media for CVS or POC Samples?

We provide sterile transport media for chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and products of conception (POC). Request media at least 24 hours before collection.

Request Transport Media

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of blood tube should I use?

Most genetic tests require EDTA (purple top) tubes. Karyotyping and FISH require Sodium Heparin (green top). Always check specific test requirements before collection.

Can I freeze blood samples?

Never freeze whole blood for genetic testing. Freezing lyses cells and degrades DNA. Store and ship at room temperature unless specified otherwise.

How long can samples be stored before shipping?

Blood samples should be shipped within 24-48 hours of collection. If delay is unavoidable, store at room temperature (not refrigerated) for maximum 72 hours.

Do you accept extracted DNA?

Yes, we accept high-quality genomic DNA (3-5 μg at 50 ng/μL concentration) for many tests. Contact the laboratory for specific requirements.

How should I ship PGT biopsies?

PGT samples (trophectoderm biopsies) must be shipped on dry ice at ≤ -20°C. Use sufficient dry ice for 48-hour transit and avoid freeze-thaw cycles.

How should I ship prenatal samples?

Amniotic fluid and CVS samples must be shipped at room temperature, immediately after collection. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Use transport media for CVS.

What is the workup time for PGT-M?

PGT-M and PGT-HLA require 4-6 weeks of workup before embryo testing can begin. Parental and affected family member samples must be submitted first.

Do you accept international shipments?

Yes, we accept samples from international clients. Please contact our client services for customs documentation and shipping instructions.

Client Services

+604 226 1129

Ext 123 (Sample Management)

Email

enquery@cytogenomix.com

lab@cytogenomix.com

Sample Receiving Hours

Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

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